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Indian River County Chamber of Commerce honors local companies, Centennial businesses

Award recepients honored at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting in 2016.

The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the achievements of local businesses at its annual Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon Oct. 29.

It also recognized four "Centennial Businesses," in keeping with the Vero Beach Centennial, honoring those that have been in business for 100 years or more.

The Industry Appreciation Awards program aims to show the county's appreciation to local businesses that have made a positive impact in the community during the past year, through architectural enhancements or community involvement and economic impact, said Helene Caseltine, the chamber’s economic development director.

Small Company of the Year

Indian River Home Care: Margot Kornicks founded the business in 2011. The company has seen an 8% increase in sales and revenue in the past year, plus a 10% increase in market share. Kornicks and her team of 14 employees donate time and funds to a number of local nonprofits, including the United Way Day of Caring, the Vero Beach Wine & Film Festival, and Friends After Diagnosis.

Mid-size Company of the Year

Blue Dog: The company was established in Indian River County in 2013, providing merchant services to businesses across the country, with a special focus on small business. Blue Dog has experienced a 138% increase in sales and revenue and market share over the past year. The company’s civic involvement includes donations of cash, in-kind services and volunteer hours to 34 charities each quarter.

Large Company of the Year

Windsor: Established in 1989, its sales and revenue have increased 950% from 2017 to 2018. Windsor contributes over $2 million in annual taxes each year plus, with 150 full-time employees, generates $6.45 million in annual wages. The company is an active supporter of numerous local charities and hosts the annual Windsor Charity Cup polo event benefiting the local and national Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s organizations.

Veteran-owned Business of the Year

John Michael Matthews Fine Jewelry: John Matthews, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 to 1974, opened his businesses in 1989. The company is committed to giving back to the community, with annual Vero Beach Christmas ornament sales benefiting the Garden Club and sponsoring the Miss Hibiscus Pageant. It also donates thousands in cash and jewelry throughout the year to numerous nonprofits as auction items for fundraisers.

Minority Business of the Year

Dental Partners of Vero Beach: Has provided dental care to Treasure Coast residents since 1980. The company has grown to 17 employees and adds nearly $200,000 to tax rolls each year. It has seen a 25% increase in sales and revenue over the past year. It also started a program called “Dental Partners Give Back,” which has provided over $18,000 worth of free dental services to community members who cannot afford dental care.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Tiffany Sweeney, president of Decor Envy, started her business in 2016 with two employees, opened her doors for business in 2017, and added fiver employees over two years. She plans to increase revenue by $250,000 each year while developing strong business relationships with local builders and retail customers.

Manufacturer of the Year

MC Miller: Has manufactured corrosion control equipment, primarily for the oil and gas industry, for over 73 years. Nearly all of its products are shipped outside Florida and 40% are exported outside the U.S. The company has seen a 15% increase in sales and market size over the past year.

Architectural Recognition Awards

Green Award: Phase II of the Vero Beach Dog Park, off Indian River Drive East

Commercial building construction: Big Shots Golf on U.S. 1 and VB Home on Beachland Boulevard

Nonprofit building construction: Star Suites Hotel on Aviation Boulevard and Gifford Youth Achievement Center's new classroom building on 43rd Avenue

New government building: City of Vero Beach Grand Pavilions at Riverside Park and Town of Indian River Shores Community Center

New project construction: Vero AutoHaus on 12th Street

Commercial building renovation: Orchid Island Dog Spa & Resort on North Old Dixie Highway and Piper Aircraft Building 9

Project renovation: Jetson Appliance Center in Downtown Vero Beach

Catie Wegman is a TCPalm community reporter. Have a question you want answered? She can be reached by email at catie.wegman@tcpalm.com, or you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @Catie_Wegman and Facebook @catiewegman1.